June 12, 2026
Saving the Family, part 3
One of the most frustrating realities in public policy is that we often spend years searching for answers while proven solutions already exist.
When it comes to helping struggling youth and strengthening families, Idaho does not need to start from scratch.
We already know what works.
The challenge is making sure more families can access it.
Throughout this series, we’ve examined the impact Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is having on Idaho families. We’ve seen how intensive, family-centered interventions can help youth remain at home, improve school performance, reduce involvement with the juvenile justice system, and strengthen family relationships.
The outcomes are encouraging.
The need, however, continues to grow.
Across Idaho, referrals come from schools, probation departments, behavioral health providers, child welfare systems, law enforcement agencies, and families themselves. Every day, professionals encounter young people who are struggling and families searching for help before problems become crises.
The demand is real.
The families are real.
And the need continues to increase.
Unfortunately, access remains limited.
As Idaho continues discussions about youth behavioral health, juvenile justice reform, and family stability, expanding proven interventions like MST deserves serious consideration.
One practical step would be supporting the development of additional MST teams to serve more Idaho families.
Every additional team means more opportunities for intervention before a young person enters detention.
More families receiving support while they are still together.
More schools gaining partners in addressing challenging behaviors.
More communities benefiting from positive outcomes that ripple far beyond a single household.
But expansion does not happen by accident.
It requires awareness.
It requires partnerships.
And it requires investment.
If you are a provider, consider whether youth on your caseload may benefit from MST.
If you work in education, behavioral health, juvenile justice, child welfare, or law enforcement, help increase awareness of available services.
If you are a business leader, community advocate, legislator, or philanthropist, consider what role you can play in supporting evidence-based programs that strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.
And if you are a parent facing challenges that sometimes feel overwhelming, please remember this:
You are not alone.
There are people who care.
There are programs specifically designed to help families navigate difficult circumstances.
And there is hope.
The future of Idaho will not be determined by how many young people we punish.
It will be determined by how many young people we help succeed.
Strong families build strong communities.
Strong communities build a strong Idaho.
That work begins at home.
And families are always worth investing in.
God bless,
Senator Christy Zito,
Idaho State Senate
District 8,
Protecting Freedom for Future Generations
